What's In the New Lithium Battery Test Summary Document?

Posted on 7/22/2019 by Roger Marks

Starting January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of lithium cells and batteries (and equipment powered by lithium cells or batteries) must make available a lithium battery testing summary that provides critical safety information about their batteries to downstream shippers and consumers.

The test summary requirement applies to lithium batteries and cells manufactured after June 30, 2003, and equipment powered by those cells and batteries.

As lithium battery regulations have become more complex, shippers need more information about the batteries they ship in order to maintain compliance. The testing summary requirement will also help lithium battery shippers gain confidence that the batteries they offer for transport have been manufactured and tested properly.

Manufacturers and distributors may make the test summary available by posting it on a company website or by preparing a paper document.

Lion offers convenient, effective training for employees who prepare lithium batteries for transport by ground, air, or vessel. Check out the Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course now.

What’s Required in the Lithium Battery Test Summary?

The text of the new requirement can be found in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Amendment 1, Part III, sub-section 38.3, paragraph 38.3.5 and includes a list of specific information that must be included on the test summary document.

The information required in the lithium battery test summary document was included in IATA’s updated 2019 Lithium Battery Guidance Document, Revision 1, and is pictured below.

The UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has provided examples of test summary documents prepared by members of the Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA).

Lastly, the new lithium battery test summary requirement is part of the forthcoming 49 CFR harmonization rulemaking HM 215-O.

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries Big or Small

Need hazmat training to safely ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? Lion’s popular Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course is updated regularly to cover the latest regulations you must know under 49 CFR, the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code.

New! Ship excepted lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? We’ve got a course just for you! The new Shipping Excepted Lithium Batteries Online Course will help you identify the requirements you must know, without getting bogged down or confused by rules for fully regulated lithium batteries.

Tags: hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, lithium battery test summary, new rules, shipping lithium batteries

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.